I have heard people talk about doors God has opened that no man can shut. However, I seldom hear anyone speak about doors the Lord closes.
Recently, I found myself in a situation where God shut a door I was about to step through. Later on, while standing in a store brooding over the outcome of events I noticed a bag printed with the words “hope and faith.” Immediately Proverbs 13:12 came to my mind which says, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” At that instant, I realized God had not said no. Instead, He was saying not yet. Once I calmed down and examined the situation in retrospect, I realized God saved me from making what could have been a huge mistake.
I have encountered many closed doors in my life. Closed doors have tested my faith, patience, and endurance. I recall a time being stretched out on the floor weeping bitterly over a closed door, when suddenly I heard God say, “How long are you going to keep looking at that closed door?” It dawned on me if that door was shut, it meant another door was open. Since that time, I have come to understand that when God closes one door, He always opens another door of much greater opportunity.
But what do you do when God closes a door and you find yourself struck in the hallway of delay? Keep your focus on God. God uses closed doors to direct you to the open door. If you stay focused on a closed door, you will miss the opportunity God sends your way.
Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish the door God opens. Always remember the door God opens never contradicts His Word. Ask God for discernment about your situation. The basis of discernment is the Word of God. “Discernment is the gift or ability to understand, interpret and apply truth skillfully.” In I Kings 3:9, King Solomon prayed for a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong. Ask yourself, “Is this God’s will for my life, or is it the voice of my own desires?” The wait demands patient endurance. Patience is not about how long you wait. Rather, it relates to your attitude and actions while you wait.
Stay in position so you are in place when God sends an opportunity your way. It may not be convenient or comfortable. But persevere through the disappointment, discouragement, doubt, and uncertainty. Because every closed door is leading you to the one God opens. Never try to force a door open. Move in faith until God opens the door. Faith connects your present circumstances to God’s reality for your life. At the appropriate time, you have God’s guarantee in Revelation 3:8 to open the door no man can shut. The longer the wait, the bigger the blessing.
When you find yourself seemingly trapped in a corridor of waiting, be patient and remain hopeful. In due time, a door of great promise will open you to a realm of limitless possibilities.
Until next time…Be blessed!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson, Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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